James Anthony Stiel

James “Jim” Anthony Stiel, 73, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2024. An accomplished financial professional and musician, Jim graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and Economics in 1983. Preceded in death by his father, Anthony, and brothers, Daniel and John, Jim is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Luanne Margaret; children, Gregory Sydney Palmer, Matthew James, and Sarah Anne; mother, Gloria; and siblings, Gregory, Amy, Thomas, Teresa, Anthony Jr., Mary, and Jane. Born on August 10, 1951, in Pontiac, Michigan, Jim cultivated his early interest in music into a lifelong passion. He mastered numerous instruments, key among these the bass. In 1966, Jim became the new bass player for a local garage rock band, The Ascots, known for their radio hits such as "So Good" and "Who Will It Be." He played with The Ascots until their mid-1967 breakup. After graduating from Waterford Township High School in 1969, Jim pursued a career in music while working a diverse array of early jobs, everything from guitar lessons to working in a Schwinn bicycle shop. In fact, it was music that led Jim to meet his beloved future wife, Luanne Margaret Faught. After a performance at a restaurant in Port Huron, Michigan, Jim and Luanne began dating and fell in love, marrying in 1987 and settling in Lake Orion, Michigan. A commercial real estate lending specialist by trade, Jim rose to prominence as Vice President at several major banking institutions, including Bank One, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citizens Bank, and Fifth Third Bank. In his off hours, Jim actively pursued his passion for music, performing at various shows across the Metro Detroit and Blue Water Area music scenes. Notably, he frequently graced the stage at The Quay Street Brewing Company, a vibrant music venue renowned for supporting local arts and culture. Starting in 1982, he helped to organize and perform at fellow musician Bob Gibbs’ annual “Jazz-on-the-Lake” festival in Port Huron, Michigan. Originally hosted in Gibbs' backyard, the festival expanded rapidly and grew to be held at the Thomas Edison Inn along the St. Clair River. The festival not only brought acclaimed musicians from across the U.S. and Canada, but also established a charitable foundation to support local music education. Starting in 2008, Jim worked at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in the Office of the National Bank Examiner, serving as a subject matter expert in commercial credit policy. He played a pivotal role in drafting guidelines that addressed the underlying issues in banking responsible for the 2008 financial crisis. In 2012, the family relocated to Northern Virginia, where Jim continued his work until his retirement in 2018. Post-retirement, Jim took on work as a contractor, supporting credit unions in underwriting commercial real estate until the end of his life. Known for his quiet, humble and generous nature, he was always willing to help others at a moment’s notice and without praise. In fact, Jim once won a lottery at an electronic store, which he used to gift his entire family with brand new, state-of-the-art computers, then used the remainder to donate computers to local Michigan schools. He volunteered in his community, serving as a Big Brother to students in the Pontiac area. In addition, he dedicated his time after work to teach reading skills to students in Detroit. Jim’s legacy endures. He was a deeply caring husband, father, son, friend, and colleague, who will forever be remembered and greatly missed by all who loved him. In lieu of services or donations, the family asks that readers keep Jim’s legacy alive by cherishing time with their families and appreciating the joy of music, just as Jim did during his lifetime.

Tributes

James Anthony Stiel

December 19, 2024